iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Apple’s fourth-generation Siri Remote adds directional Precision Finding, but that feature requires an iPhone Duo, iPhone Air, or iPhone 17 or later (except iPhone 17e) running the latest iOS software. Older iPhones can still use ordinary Find My, and the new remote can play a locating sound, but they cannot provide the arrow-and-distance guidance of Precision Finding.
What the new Siri Remote can do
The fourth-generation Siri Remote keeps the familiar Apple TV design and adds two ways to find it: Find My integration with Precision Finding and a built-in speaker that can play a sound. Apple announced the remote alongside Apple TV 4K (4th generation) on October 13, 2026. The new Apple TV enters availability on November 13, 2026, while the remote is also sold separately.
Apple describes the change as adding “Find My support with Precision Finding and an option to play a sound on the remote.” The sound is exclusive to the newest remote. Find My support itself is available on Siri Remote (2nd generation or later), but directional Precision Finding is limited to the fourth-generation model and compatible iPhones.
Which iPhone is required for Precision Finding?
| iPhone | Precision Finding | What still works |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Duo | Supported with the latest iOS software, subject to regional availability | Find My and the remote’s locating sound |
| iPhone Air | Supported with the latest iOS software, subject to regional availability | Find My and the remote’s locating sound |
| iPhone 17 or later | Supported with the latest iOS software, except iPhone 17e | Find My and the remote’s locating sound |
| iPhone 17e | Not supported | Ordinary Find My behavior and the locating sound |
| Older iPhone models | Not supported | Ordinary Find My behavior and the locating sound |
Apple’s compatibility note requires the latest iOS software and says availability can vary by region. Therefore, owning a model in the right family is not by itself a guarantee that Precision Finding will appear in every country or software configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Why older iPhones cannot provide the directional view
Macworld reports that the new implementation uses Bluetooth 6 Channel Sounding to estimate both range and direction. It also reports that the calculation depends on Apple’s N1 chip in the iPhone. That combination explains why the supported list starts with the iPhone 17 generation and includes iPhone Air and iPhone Duo, while excluding iPhone 17e and earlier models.
This differs from the ultra-wideband approach used by earlier Precision Finding systems. The Bluetooth 6 Channel Sounding explanation is a reported technical account rather than a full Apple engineering specification, but it makes the practical limitation clear: the remote can be paired with an older phone, yet the phone lacks the hardware needed to show directional guidance.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
What happens with an older iPhone?
Ordinary Find My remains available
An older iPhone can still locate the remote through the normal Find My experience, provided the remote is paired and associated with the user’s Apple account. That experience can identify the remote’s last known or nearby location, but it does not provide the Precision Finding interface that guides you with direction and distance.
Recommended Free Tools
The remote can still make a sound
The fourth-generation remote’s built-in speaker can play a chime when you ask Find My to locate it. This fallback is useful when the remote is under a cushion or in another nearby room, and it does not depend on owning a qualifying iPhone for directional tracking.
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Will it work with an older Apple TV?
Yes. The standalone fourth-generation Siri Remote works with Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K generations 1 through 4. Apple says Siri Remote (2nd generation or later) supports Find My, while the fourth-generation remote adds the newest Precision Finding and sound features.
| Purchase | U.S. price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Siri Remote (4th generation), sold separately | $59 | The new remote for compatible Apple TV hardware; works even when an older iPhone limits you to basic Find My and the chime |
| Apple TV 4K (4th generation) | $299 | The complete new Apple TV 4K system, with availability beginning November 13, 2026 |
The compatibility includes Apple TV models released since 2015, so replacing an existing streaming box is not required merely to gain the new remote’s locating features.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Is the $59 remote worth buying without a qualifying iPhone?
Buy it for the sound and broader Find My convenience if you frequently lose the remote and already own a compatible Apple TV. You will not receive directional arrows or distance guidance on an iPhone 17e or older iPhone, but the chime can still shorten the search.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWait if Precision Finding is the main reason for the upgrade and your current phone is not an iPhone Duo, iPhone Air, or eligible iPhone 17-or-newer model. Buying the $299 Apple TV 4K (4th generation) does not remove the iPhone requirement; the limitation is in the phone hardware and software used for directional finding.
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
What to check before buying
- Identify your iPhone model. iPhone 17e and earlier models do not support Precision Finding for this remote.
- Update an eligible iPhone to the latest iOS version.
- Check whether Find My features are available in your region.
- Confirm that your Apple TV is Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K (1st through 4th generation).
- Decide whether basic Find My plus a sound meets your needs before paying the $59 standalone price.
Release timing and prices
Apple announced Apple TV 4K (4th generation) on October 13, 2026. Pre-orders opened the same day, U.S. pricing is $299, and availability begins November 13, 2026. MacRumors lists the standalone fourth-generation Siri Remote at $59 in the United States. Prices, feature availability and regional support can differ outside the U.S.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
